Eight migrants are shot in Calais with three fighting for their lives

Peter Allen — MailOnline Feb 1, 2018

Migrants armed with sticks and rocks during clashes between rival gangs in Calais, France. Click to enlarge

Four UK-bound migrants were shot and four others seriously injured by improvised weapons in Calais tonight as police tried to break up a bloody fight between rival gangs.

The mass brawl, which lasted more than two hours, was by far the worst of a number of violent incidents in recent weeks.

At least three of the migrants whose lives was in danger was rushed to an emergency ward in Lille for immediate surgery.

The rest of those with gunshot wounds and others with injuries caused by clubs and knifes were taken to the central hospital in Calais.

The riot, which involved hundreds, started among a long line of migrants who had been queuing for food near the hospital, on Boulevard des Justes.

The mainly Afghan and Eritrean gangs clashed soon after 3.30pm on Thursday as charity workers distributed meals close to the ferry port.

At least three were in a life-threatening condition as French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said he was on the way to the port town to deal with the emergency.

A local police spokesman said: ‘The toll is eight wounded, with four seriously hurt including three with life-threatening injuries.’

It was not immediately clear who had done the shooting, although people smugglers occasionally carry pistols, as do some of the migrants themselves.

Hundreds armed with rocks, wooden clubs and other improvised weapons were involved in the rioting, which went on until shortly before 6 pm.

Afterwards, Mr Collomb tweeted: ‘After the serious incidents that occurred today, I am going to Calais this evening for a situational meeting with the Prefect, the Mayor of the city and other local officials.